Twice in the last two years, Starwood has temporarily moved corporate HQ to another country for month-long immersions:

“To get to the heart of two of Starwood’s key markets — China and the Middle East, which account for 75% of its growth — the hotel group’s leadership team, including Mr. [Phil] McAveety [Executive VP-Chief Brand Officer at Starwood], the CEO, chief financial officer and others, took a month to immerse themselves in each location. The team spent March in Dubai and visited China in 2011.”

“Following the company’s successful relocation to China in June 2011, this second leadership move reflects Starwood’s innovative management approach to cultivating a more global culture by understanding, appreciating and leveraging different societal and associate perspectives and approaches to business and hospitality.”

Obviously, Starwood’s approach is unique and limited in application. But, you can still leverage the spirit of what they’re trying to accomplish.

So, make sure you provide the resources and justification for key business team members to travel. Look, despite the scrutiny on travel expenses, it’s your job as a leader and manager to make it happen. Here’s how:

[…] For Growth & Success, Get Out of the Office. “Let’s face it. If you’re not engaging off-site with everyone and everything that makes your company tick, that’s a problem – and lost opportunity.” […]

About Blog

In each post, I share insights, observations & practical tips about marketing strategy and tactics. I tell you what I think, and why, based on what I know at a particular point in time.

My writing is inspired by current examples here in the United States and globally. Expect to see commentary across a variety of industries, products, and services, which cater to both B2B (business) and B2C (consumer) targets.

This blog is designed for marketing and business professionals. At the same time, it should be accessible and relevant to other functional pros who want a better understanding of and/or some insight into the world of marketing. I think marketers-on-the-rise can benefit, too.

Posting frequency is about 1 – 2 times per month, usually on Tuesday. I don’t force content to fit a publishing schedule.

I welcome your comments, even if you have a different point-of-view. Just keep them professional, constructive and clean if you want them approved.